Sonia Sotomayor has epitomized the greatness of our Latino community during the recent hearings before the United States Senate.  Not only did we see her wisdom but also her patience and demeanor.  Never getting angry at any of the racist comments and questions made by the conservative Republican Senators.

The irony is that these white Anglo-Saxon men from a different time zone and culture, many times their offensive questions were not even perceived.  Things like this happen every day in my life from colleagues in the Bar or on the Court.  We must remember what we represent, our clients, the courts and the rule of law.  This is what makes us different from other countries.  We don’t have to make change by brut force but within the confines of our political and legal system.   Remember when Bush lost the election even though the Supreme Court gave it to him even without jurisdiction we obeyed the Court.  We must learn how to get ahead.

Judge Sotomayor‘s  brilliance in not allowing the Senators prejudice to lock her opinions on future cases, whether on race or abortion was important because personal agendas should not be a judge’s role.   Judges are there to be impartial arbitrators, based on the precedent and the Constitution.  Judges may never take their bias with them no matter how much it hurts.  If there was anyone in this country more qualified to be a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, I do not know who that may be.  Her trial, appellate and legal experience is beyond reproach., and has never been equaled by any other jurist in history.

    Senator Jeff Sessions represented the old school of thought, white man’s club of an old era and philosophy.   These Republican Senators were condescending and made rude remarks.  Many tell us if you that if you behave yourself,  get a good education and work hard you will gain the respect of others.   He and others tried to force the Judge to enter into unchartered territory which was never asked of Justice John Roberts or  Justice Alito.      Justice Alito had the same education, same religious affiliation, similar remarks about his Italian-American  background and the Senators never denigrate his character and his race or nationality as they did to Judge Sotomayor .  Even Clarence Thomas was never asked about what he would turn into after a lifetime on the Court.  My community should never give up no matter what they call us.  America is getting more Latino and once they have one in their family, which I guarantee they will, they will learn to love us.

    Judge Sotomayor  will be a Justice for all Americans.  We can feel proud that she can come from a humble background, with a number of strikes in her life and overcome to leadership and prove to the world that she can make America better, stronger and healthier than the forefathers who preceded her.

    I am one proud wise Latino, who believes that we have a responsibility to help those less fortunate and to motivate our young to get involved in public service.  This will enable our community to have Latino’s in the Mayor, Governor and judicial offices throughout our land.